Odisha Gears Up for Kharif 2025: Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo Emphasizes Timely Seed Supply for Farmers

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the Kharif 2025 season, Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Wednesday emphasized the importance of ensuring a timely and affordable supply of quality seeds to farmers across Odisha. Chairing a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, Singh Deo asserted that no farmer in the state should face a shortage of seeds as the new cropping season approaches.

The meeting, organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, focused on reviewing the preparedness for Kharif 2025 with special attention to seed demand, availability, and distribution logistics.

“Seeds must not only be delivered on time but must also meet the highest quality standards,” said Singh Deo. He instructed officials to conduct regular sampling and testing of all seed varieties and laid special emphasis on the procurement and timely supply of vegetable seeds, which are crucial for diversifying agricultural income.

The Deputy Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to making seed procurement more affordable through targeted subsidies. “Subsidies are being provided to farmers with landholdings up to 2 and 3 hectares to ease their financial burden. Our focus is on empowering Odisha’s farmers with access to quality inputs at the right time,” he said.

Principal Secretary of the department, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, assured that the state is well-equipped for the season with ample seed stock. He highlighted that subsidies from both the Central and State governments will be credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and timely disbursement.

A detailed PowerPoint presentation was made during the meeting, showcasing the seed requirement versus availability across various crop categories for Kharif 2025.

Senior officials including Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture, and Nikhil Pawan Kalyan, Director of Horticulture, also attended the session, along with key functionaries from the department. The discussion reflected a proactive approach towards addressing farmers’ needs and reinforcing Odisha’s agricultural resilience.